Community Project Funding 2023
Members of the House of Representatives who are submitting Community Project Funding (CPF) requests to the House Appropriations Committee are required to publish online their CPF requests, as well as letters to the Committee certifying that the Member does not have a financial interest in the requested projects.
Congressman Mrvan is committed to being a good steward of taxpayer dollars and is pleased that the Committee has instituted stringent transparency measures to achieve this important task.
Below, please find a list of Congressman Mrvan’s CPF requests for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 plus project details and financial disclosures. Requests for FY 24 will be posted when available.
If you have questions about a Community Project Funding (CPF) request, please contact our office’s Director of Projects and Grants, Elizabeth Johnson, at elizabeth.johnson@mail.house.gov.
Community Project Funding Request for Environmental Infrastructure – Calumet Region, IN
Army Corps of Engineers (Civil) – Construction
231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604
Requested Amount: $10,000,000
Explanation of Request:
This project provides assistance to non-federal interests who have environmental infrastructure needs across Lake and Porter Counties, Indiana. These needs include the development and protection of water supply and wastewater systems; combined sewer overflows; and remediation of adverse water quality impacts and storm water impacts from existing wastewater systems. Projects identified as appropriate under this authorization include improvements to wastewater and water supply treatment, distribution, and related facilities.
Funding allocated to Calumet Region Environmental Infrastructure provides for partnerships between the USACE and the communities in Lake and Porter Counties, to address critical water, sanitary sewer, stormwater sewer infrastructure improvements designed to alleviate deteriorated conditions, increase the efficacy of existing systems, and reverse adverse water quality impacts. Lake and Porter Counties are located along the southern coast of Lake Michigan; the projects constructed under this authority lead to water quality improvements within this area of the Great Lakes. Requested funds will allow the Chicago District to continue these partnerships with nonfederal sponsors to address these infrastructure needs.
Community Project Funding Request for Indiana Shoreline
Army Corps of Engineers (Civil) – Construction
231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604
Requested Amount: $2,700,000
Explanation of Request:
The movement of sand along the shoreline at Indiana Dunes National Park (IDNP) has been interrupted by harbor structures causing accelerated erosion of the beach and dunes west of these structures. The project calls for placement of sand from an approved inland source along the shoreline as mitigation for the littoral drift losses and the resulting increased erosion caused by the harbor structures. The authorized project includes an initial beach nourishment placement of 264,500 cubic yards of material and periodic re-nourishment of 264,500 cubic yards of material at five-year intervals over a period of 50 years. The project also includes long-term monitoring of the density and distribution of benthic invertebrates during beach placement activities to ensure no negative impacts on the reproduction of fish. Placement of sand along the identified IDNP segment addresses erosion as mentioned and as affected by elevated lake levels in Lake Michigan. Continued investment in beach nourishment activities is necessary to rebuild lost shoreline and protect resources inland.
Community Project Funding Request for Michigan City Harbor
Army Corps of Engineers (Civil) – Construction
231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604
Requested Amount: $1,000,000
Explanation of Request:
Funding allocated to support operations and maintenance at Michigan City Harbor will support economic development within the City of Michigan City driven by its proximity to Lake Michigan and the availability of the harbor. Michigan City Harbor and its channel provide safe refuge for recreational boats traveling within southern Lake Michigan during adverse weather events. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) maintains law enforcement and rescue vessels within the port; improving the navigable waterway within the harbor and channel will improve the USCG’s access to and from the port to conduct its Homeland Security missions on Lake Michigan. Requested funds will allow the Chicago District to address the needs of this harbor within its authorized mission.
Community Project Funding Request for Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor
Army Corps of Engineers (Civil) – Operation and Maintenance: Navigation
231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604
Requested Amount: $914,000
Explanation of Request:
Funding allocated to support operations and maintenance at Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor will support economic development within the City of Portage driven by its proximity to Lake Michigan and the availability of the harbor. Burns Waterway Small Boat Harbor and its channel provide safe refuge for recreational boats traveling within southern Lake Michigan during adverse weather events. Commercial harbors such as Burns Waterway Harbor, Gary Harbor and Indiana Harbor do not have facilities for the protection of recreational boats during intense thunderstorms or other weather conditions that affect navigability within Lake Michigan. Requested funds will allow the Chicago District to address the needs of this harbor within its authorized mission.
Community Project Funding Request for Porter County Sheriff Office Equipment/Technology Upgrades
Department of Justice – Community Oriented Policing Services: Technology and Equipment
Porter County Sheriff Office: 2755 South State Road 49, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
Requested Amount: $400,000
Explanation of Request:
Law enforcement practices and policing have changed, as there is an increased need to utilize existing technologies to effectively and efficiently maintain and enhance public safety. The Porter County Sheriff Department requests $400,000 to invest in necessary laptop/computer upgrades to increase and improve efficiencies as well as to purchase automatic license plate readers to assist in the apprehension of subjects, locate missing persons, and to reduce property crimes.
Community Project Funding Request for Whiting Police Department Equipment/Technology Upgrades
Department of Justice – Community Oriented Policing Services: Technology and Equipment
Whiting Police Department: 1914 Schrage Avenue, Whiting, Indiana 46394
Requested Amount: $215,000
Explanation of Request:
Law enforcement practices and policing have changed, as there is an increased need to utilize existing technologies to effectively and efficiently maintain and enhance public safety. The Whiting Police Department requests funding in the amount of $215,000 to install License Plate Readers (LPRs) and Video Surveillance Cameras at strategic locations throughout the municipality to enhance public safety. These technologies will increase public safety through the deterrence of crime, assist in the investigation of criminal activity and allow for the speedy apprehension of offenders.
Community Project Funding Request for St. Catherine Hospital – Cardiovascular Catheterization Table Project
Health Resources and Services Administration – Health Facilities Construction and Equipment
St. Catherine Hospital: 4321 Fir Street, East Chicago, Indiana 46312
Requested Amount: $1,500,000
Explanation of Request:
St. Catherine Hospital, located in East Chicago, Indiana is a Safety-Net Hospital and relies on public subsidies to help finance its important mission to care for the uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid, and other vulnerable patients. To better serve patients, St. Catherine Hospital continues to invest in advanced technologies in the areas of cardiology, robotic surgery, cancer and other areas. These investments will have a positive impact on the health needs identified through its triennial Community Health Needs Assessment. The replacement of the catheterization table will enable access to a new radiation dose management system and will enhance patient, staff and physician safety due to less radiation exposure. Additionally, the advanced technology elevates the care and image quality the hospital provides for diagnostic and interventional heart and vascular procedures to residents in the community.
Community Project Funding Request for Valparaiso University – College of Nursing and Health Professions – Skills Lab and Simulation Center Modernization
Health Resources and Services Administration – Health Facilities Construction and Equipment
Valparaiso University: Kretzmann Hall, 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383-4520
Requested Amount: $1,500,000
Explanation of Request:
In Indiana, at the beginning of 2022, approximately 4,000 open nursing positions were available, and it is anticipated the state’s nursing shortage will grow an additional 5,000 open positions by 2031. The pandemic has highlighted significant gaps in the healthcare professions, an issue Valparaiso University intends to address through its efforts to attract students and increase enrollment in its College of Nursing and Health Professions. The College of Nursing and Health Professions – Skills Lab and Simulation Center Modernization project will upgrade the university’s current instructional space to reflect modern approaches to nursing, using advanced technologies and simulation equipment, to ensure students are trained and ready for employment following graduation. This equipment request supports the effort to create a strong pool of trained medical technologists to serve the region’s health needs while laying the foundation to address the greater health care professional shortage.
Community Project Funding Request for Central Avenue Reconstruction – City of Portage
Department of Transportation – Federal Aid Highways: Highway Infrastructure Program
City of Portage: 6070 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368
Requested Amount: $2,360,000
Explanation of Request:
The primary purposes of this project are to address the deteriorating infrastructure along Central Avenue, reducing congestion, improving driver and pedestrian safety, and improving storm water management throughout the corridor. Central Avenue in Portage currently exists as one through lane in each direction. The roadway has minimal shoulders, no curb and gutter, one signalized intersection, limited sidewalks, and minimal roadway lighting. Funding secured for the balance of Preliminary Engineering, Right-of-Way Acquisition Services and Land Costs that are not currently allocated for through NIRPC will address inadequate safety conditions for both pedestrians and motorists along the project corridor, address deteriorating infrastructure along Central Avenue, reduce congestion along the corridor, and address stormwater drainage issues.
Community Project Funding Request for United Way of Greater LaPorte County Youth Mental Health/Substance Abuse Needs Assessment
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Health Surveillance and Program Support
United Way of LaPorte County: 422 Franklin Street, Suite D; Michigan City, Indiana 46360
Requested Amount: $100,000
Explanation of Request:
LaPorte County, Indiana is experiencing an ongoing and increasing unmet need for youth mental health and substance abuse prevention/intervention services due to a lack of providers, programs, staffing, funding, capacity (waitlists), and other barriers to access. Through the identified needs assessment and education outreach, United Way of Greater LaPorte County and its community partners aim to improve these conditions. This project will benefit LaPorte County by informing collaborative work throughout the county to better understand local needs and current resources for youth with mental health and substance abuse issues with an ultimate goal of overall systems improvement. Clear and comprehensive data obtained will strengthen efforts to seek ongoing support from other sources.
Community Project Funding Request for Paladin Rehabilitation and Repurposing Project
Department of Housing and Urban Development – Economic Development Initiative
Paladin Inc.: 4315 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, Indiana 46360
Requested Amount: $1,525,000
Explanation of Request:
Paladin provides support for individuals and their families, enrichening the quality of life, and offering an array of services designed to an opportunity to return to work and school. The Paladin facility extends its services to all residents in Northwest Indiana. The requested project focuses upon the rehabilitation and repurposing of Paladin’s existing facility to improve and increase services offered to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The funding will be used for capital improvements including accessibility alterations, modernization of classrooms to provide appropriate engagement activities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ADA updates and sensory-friendly spaces to support the community. The project requested will allow Paladin to increase capacity for job discovery and training for the developmentally disabled. Additionally, the rehabilitation/repurposing improvements made to the facility in Michigan City will allow Paladin to serve an additional 120 individuals while increasing quality of place, provide respite and meaningful day programs for people with cognitive disabilities, and increase its focus upon nutrition and computer literacy programs for participants.
Community Project Funding Request for Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center
Department of Housing and Urban Development – Economic Development Initiative
Fair Haven: 2645 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana 46322
Requested Amount: $750,000
Explanation of Request:
Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center provides support to victims of abuse and sexual violence throughout all stages of their recovery, offering services designed to address the mental and financial needs of those seeking assistance. The need for safe and stable housing is one of the most vital and immediate concerns for survivors of abuse and violence. Non-congregatestabilization housing for individuals who are fleeing from or attempting to flee from dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking is not available in Lake County. Funding would support the acquisition and rehabilitation of Fair Haven’s existing office building and convert the upper-level portion into secure non-congregate stabilization housing for adults who are fleeing or attempting to flee from dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking.
Community Project Funding Request for Gary/Chicago International Airport – Cargo Logistics Apron
Department of Transportation – Airport Improvement Program
Gary/Chicago International Airport: 6001 Airport Road, Gary, Indiana 46406
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Explanation of Request:
The Gary/Chicago International Airport seeks to expand and construct a heavy cargo logistics apron for multiple users. Currently, cargo is being transferred at the commercial terminal building by UPS. In order to address increased cargo operations at the Airport, efforts are underway to initiate projects such as the cargo logistics apron to accommodate demand. Investments in the Gary/Chicago International Airport have long-term, positive economic impacts within the city of Gary and in Northwest Indiana. Funding would support the cargo logistics apron project formulation efforts including NEPA preparation, design, permitting and potentially begin construction.
Community Project Funding Request for Gary Police Department – Body-Worn and In-Car Cameras Project
Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs – State and Local Justice Assistance, Byrne Justice Assistance Grants
Gary Police Department: 555 Polk Street, Gary, Indiana 46402
Requested Amount: $1,000,000
Explanation of Request:
Law enforcement practices and policing have changed, as there is an increased need to utilize existing technologies to effectively and efficiently maintain and enhance public safety. Funding requested will support the acquisition of body-worn cameras and in-car cameras as well as all supporting technology for complete functionality. Acquisition of this technology will modernize policing strategies in the city, improve the efficiency and efficacy of officers within the department, and improve the transparency of policing within the community.
Community Project Funding Request for Opportunity Enterprises – Equipment/Technology for Lakeside Respite Center
Department of Housing and Urban Development – Economic Development Initiative
Opportunity Enterprises: 2801 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
Requested Amount: $310,000
Explanation of Request:
The project proposed by Opportunity Enterprises will improve the accessibility, mental health, and educational opportunities for residents that live in Northwest Indiana and beyond by providing support services for people and families that need these serves as well as to meet requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The expansion of its program services and facility improvements are necessary to address the increasing in demand for services for individuals with disabilities and their families who care for them. The equipment and technology acquisition will enhance the quality of services provided through the Lakeside Respite Center and thereby improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.